Moral philosophy of the Jewish religion or Jewish people
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Alan Skorski interviewed Rabbi Yaakov Menken, Executive Vice President of the Coalition for Jewish Values, CJV, who spearheaded a strong response - signed by over 180 Orthodox rabbis - to an earlier letter from a group of 80, mostly ‘Open Orthodox” leaders, whose letter called into question Israel's morality in “starving Gaza.” The letter, created by Rabbi Yosef Blau, titled, “A Call for Moral Clarity, Responsibility, and a Jewish Orthodox Response in the Face of the Gaza Humanitarian Crisis,” claimed that, “Hamas's sins and crimes do not relieve the government of Israel of its obligations to make whatever efforts are necessary to prevent mass starvation.” The letter continues, “Amid this devastation, the absence of a clear post-war vision from Prime Minister Netanyahu has allowed the most extreme voices in the Israeli government….These include the forced “voluntary” exile of Palestinians from Gaza and the sacrifice of remaining Israeli hostages in the pursuit of an elusive “total victory.” “Meanwhile, in Yehuda and Shomron (the West Bank), extremist settler violence has resulted in the murder of civilians and has forced Palestinian villagers from their homes, further destabilizing the region.” Another disgusting criticism against Israel from this group claims; “The justified anger toward Hamas has dangerously expanded by some extremists into blanket suspicion of the entire population of Gaza — children included — tarnished as future terrorists.” A portion of Rabbi Menken's response includes; The "Call for Moral Clarity" statement claimed that Israel bears some responsibility for the suffering of the civilian population, but the CJV letter rejected this as providing “unintended support to antisemitic inversions of… obvious truth.” In reality, and according to international law, CJV asserted, the current war and its impact upon civilians are all due to the Hamas terror organization, the massacre it perpetrated on October 7, 2023, and its unchanged genocidal agenda. CJV added that the "Moral Clarity" statement exaggerated the significance of isolated, inappropriate reactions to Arab terror attacks upon Jewish citizens, mainly vandalism, while entirely omitting the numerous, murderous Arab terror attacks themselves. In response to the criticisms of Israel's responsibility to provide “aid” to Gaza, CJV stated; Our faith indeed demands compassion and dignity for all, but the value that the Torah places upon the protection of every life begins with one's own. Deuteronomy 4:15 commands, Venishmartem me'od lenafshoseichem, “you shall profoundly guard your life,” and in 13:16, Uvi'arta hara mikirbecha, “you shall eradicate evil from your midst.” And in the Medrash (Tanchuma, Parshas Metzora), Rebbe Eliezer teaches us that “Whoever is kind to the cruel will end up being cruel to the kind.” The claim that Israel has deliberately starved Gaza is a falsehood spread by Israel's enemies. In fact, Israel has facilitated the entry of thousands of tons of food, medicine, water, and fuel into Gaza. Israel continues to provide electricity and water, and has allowed multiple international efforts to deliver humanitarian relief. Alan Skorski Reports 02SEPT2025 - PODCAST
Jewish Pro-Life Show: How to be an Advocate for Unborn Life With honorable guests, Rabbi Alan Betsalel Friedlander and Rabbi Ze'ev Smason, and special appearance by Rabbi Yakov David Cohen. Rabbi Alan Betsalel Friedlander is a lecturer for Congregation Yeshiva Yaakov Ovenu, and founder of the pro life discussion group, People for Public Morality. Rabbi Friedlander answers many questions about Torah and Judaism on Quora and on his blogs. His pro life blog can be found at https://publicmorality.blogspot.com. Contact Rabbi Friedlander at rabbifriedlander@gmail.com Rabbi Ze'ev Smason, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is the Midwestern Regional VP of the ) and Chairman of CJV Missouri. https://coalitionforjewishvalues.org/missouri/ A former congregational rabbi and associate director of a Jewish adult outreach organization, Rabbi Smason currently advocates for traditional Jewish values in matters of public policy, teaches classes and writes op-eds. Contact Rabbi Smason at zsmason@cjvalues.org Rabbi Yakov Dovid Cohen is the founder and director of Institute of Noahide Code, https://noahide.org Rabbi Cohen received his Bachelor's Degree at the Rabbinical College of America in 1982 and was ordained in 1985 at the United Lubavitcher Yeshiva New York, and a degree from Monash University Australia 1992. Renowned Talmudic scholar and Dayan, a writer on various Jewish subjects, most recently worked on a compilation of the Rebbe's works for Noahide practice and a book titled Divine Image, https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Image-Yakov-David-Cohen/dp/1505782430 Contact Rabbi Cohen at (646) 833-9448 and email rabbicohen@noahide.org How to Give a Torah Class on Abortion https://publicmorality.blogspot.com/ Rabbi Alan Betsalel Friedlander, People for Public Morality, Brooklyn, NY Rabbi Ze'ev Smason, Coalition for Jewish Values, St. Louis, MO Click here to download a PDF version https://rabbifriedlander.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/howtogiveatorahclassonabortion_friedlander_smason28229-2.pdf AAPLOG https://aaplog.org The Pro-Life Reply to: "Is Abortion Ever Medically https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TmomK2RB2A Human Life International https://www.hli.org What Percentage of Abortions Are Medically Necessary? https://www.hli.org/resources/what-percentage-of-abortions-are-medically-necessary/ Identifying High Risk abortion patients http://www.theunchoice.com/pdf/OnePageFactSheets/PsychologicalRisksSheet1.pdf Suicide risks associated with pregnancy outcomes: a national cross-sectional survey of American females 41-45 years of age https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39838528/ Half of Abortion Patients' Suicide Attempts Self-Attributed to Their Abortions, New Study of Random Sample https://afterabortion.org/suicidestudy/ Suicides After Abortion Remain High Despite Better Screening Guidelines https://afterabortion.org/suicides-after-abortion-remain-high-despite-better-screening-guidelines/ At the Jewish Pro-Life Foundation, we're making the original pro-life religion pro-life again! News, education, enlightenment and spiritual renewal. Saving Jewish Lives & Healing Jewish Hearts by providing the Jewish community with Pro-Life Education, Pregnancy Care and Adoption Referrals, and Healing After Abortion. https://jewishprolifefoundation.org www.jewishprolifefoundation.co.il FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/JewishProLifeFoundation/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jewishprolife/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk8B3l4KxJX4T9l8F5l-wkQ MeWe https://mewe.com/i/cecilyroutman TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@jewishprolife X https://twitter.com/JewishProLife Gab https://gab.com/JewishProLife Telegram https://t.me/JewishProLIfeFoundation Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cecilyroutman/ GETTR https://gettr.com/user/prolifececily Rumble https://rumble.com/c/JewishProLifeFoundation TruthSocial https://truthsocial.com/@prolifececily Brighteon Social https://brighteon.social/@ProLifeCecily Podcasts https://jewishprolife.libsyn.com/ The Jewish Pro-Life Foundation is an IRS approved 501(c)3 non-profit educational public charity. We are committed to Torah and Jewish Tradition. We are not affiliated with any particular Jewish denomination, political organization or any other religious organization or movement.
What do North American Jews think and feel about Israel and why do they feel it? As researcher Matthew Boxer explains, we have, at best, an incomplete understanding of opinion. That's had a harmful impact on discourse and planning. So to find out, Boxer surveyed some 1,800 North American Jews. In this episode, he shares his findings and what he believes they mean. Among his major takeaways: he disproves the-oft sited statistic that 95 percent of American Jews identify as Zionist, even though most American Jews have attitudes that one would associate with Zionism. Many on the left and right feel that their interpretations are obvious and clear and think that opposing views are dangerous and outside the pale. Also, many American Jews feel strong emotional attachment to Israel, but that emotional attachment doesn't correlate to particular or obvious opinions about the relationship between Israelis and Palestinians. Boxer shares how he thinks future researchers can learn from his work. And, he makes a case that particular perspectives on Israel should not be a condition for inclusion in Jewish life and community. Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb Visit our home on the web — Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations: http://evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org Subscribe by Email at http://subscribebyemail.com/evolve.fireside.fm/rss Read these show notes on the web at https://evolve.fireside.fm/1 This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org (https://ReconstructingJudaism.org). Special Guest: Dr. Matthew Boxer.
Rabbi Dov Fischer was ordained at Yeshiva University, has held leadership roles in numerous Jewish organizations, and is the founding rabbi of Young Israel of Orange County, California. He is also an accomplished trial attorney, writer, and prominent leader in advocacy relating to Orthodox Jewish issues. A UCLA Law school graduate, he has worked at major law firms, and has been an adjunct law professor for over 15 years. He is a public commentator, has written for The American Spectator, Israel National News, Forward, the Jewish Press, the Times of Israel, Arutz Sheva, and others, and has a series of YouTube videos containing Torah classes and other discussions, He is a prominent leader of the CJV (Coalition for Jewish Values), where he expresses thoughtful view and policy advocacy on issues related to Jewish Orthodoxy … from the political and religious right (hence the title of this episode). In this episode, Rav Fischer describes his fascinating background, and we discuss advocacy in the Orthodox community, Israel, polling, recent events in New York City, and more. Links and Contact Information: Coalition for Jewish Values - https://coalitionforjewishvalues.org Cross-Currents (At the Intersection of Torah and Current Events) – https://cross-currents.com Subscribe to Rav Fischer's YouTube channel at bit.ly/3REFTbk and follow him on X (Twitter) at @DovFischerRabbi to find his latest classes, interviews, speeches, and observations. To attend any of his three weekly Zoom classes — Sundays on the past week's events impacting Israel and world Jewry, and Tuesdays and Thursdays on the Tanakh (Bible) and Jewish law — send a request to rabbi@yioc.org.
Rabbi Wildes sits down with Shabbos Kestenbaum to talk about Jewish identity, leadership, and the growing hostility toward Israel and the Jewish people — from elite universities to global politics. They discuss Shabbos' lawsuit against Harvard, media narratives on Iran, and the importance of Jewish education rooted in values, not just victimhood. A timely and honest conversation about unity, resistance, and hope for the Jewish future.
Join Emily and Holly as we sit down with Rabbi Yakov Menken, executive VP of the Coalition for Jewish Values, for a profound and eye-opening conversation on what Judaism teaches about miracles. From the parting of the Red Sea to personal stories of divine intervention, Rabbi Yakov shares how Jewish tradition sees every moment of existence as miraculous. They explore why some people resist calling anything a miracle, how science and faith can coexist, and what the Hebrew word for "miracle" really means.
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, David Bashevkin and historian Malka Simkovich discuss the future of technology, AI, and the Jewish People. This episode was recorded live at the Moise Safra Center as 18Forty celebrated its Fifth Anniversary with our community.We begin with words from Sruli Fruchter and Mitch Eichen delivered at the program, as well as questions from the audience to conclude. In this episode we discuss: What is the point of academia and asking questions?Will AI replace rabbinic authority or the conversations we have on 18Forty? Is there any topic that 18Forty will never take on? Tune in to hear a conversation about what we've learned through the seismic shifts we've experienced over the past half-decade.Interview begins at 17:26.Dr. Malka Simkovich is the director and editor-in-chief of the Jewish Publication Society and previously served as the Crown-Ryan Chair of Jewish Studies and Director of the Catholic-Jewish Studies program at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She earned a doctoral degree in Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism from Brandeis University and a Master's degree in Hebrew Bible from Harvard University. She is the author of The Making of Jewish Universalism: From Exile to Alexandria (2016), Discovering Second Temple Literature: The Scriptures and Stories That Shaped Early Judaism (2018), and Letters From Home: The Creation of Diaspora in Jewish Antiquity, (2024). She has been a three-time guest on the 18Forty Podcast and led our Book Journey on the essence of antisemitism. David Bashevkin is the founder and host of 18Forty. He is also the director of education for NCSY, the youth movement of the Orthodox Union, and the Clinical Assistant Professor of Jewish Values at the Sy Syms School of Business at Yeshiva University. He completed rabbinic ordination at Yeshiva University's Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, as well as a master's degree at the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies focusing on the thought of Rabbi Zadok of Lublin under the guidance of Dr. Yaakov Elman. He completed his doctorate in Public Policy and Management at The New School's Milano School of International Affairs, focusing on crisis management. He has published four books: Sin·a·gogue: Sin and Failure in Jewish Thought, a Hebrew work B'Rogez Rachem Tizkor (trans. In Anger, Remember Mercy), Top 5: Lists of Jewish Character and Character, and Just One: The NCSY Haggadah. David has been rejected from several prestigious fellowships and awards.References:“18Forty: Exploring Big Questions (An Introduction)”18Forty Podcast: “Philo Judaeus: Is There a Room for Dialogue?”18Forty Podcast: “Daniel Hagler and Aryeh Englander: Can Jews Who Stay Talk With Jews Who Left?”The Nineties: A Book by by Chuck KlostermanEinstein's Dreams by Alan LightmanTime Must Have a Stop by Aldous Huxley“Laughing with Kafka” by David Foster WallaceThe Most Human Human: What Talking with Computers Teaches Us About What It Means to Be Alive by Brian ChristianGödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas R. Hofstadter"Failure Comes To Yeshivah" by David BashevkinFor more 18Forty:NEWSLETTER: 18forty.org/joinCALL: (212) 582-1840EMAIL: info@18forty.orgWEBSITE: 18forty.orgIG: @18fortyX: @18_fortyWhatsApp: join hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
Congressman Zach Nunn, a combat veteran and former intelligence officer, shares insights on the threats posed by China, particularly in the realm of agricultural espionage, and the recent military actions involving Iran and Israel. Fred Fleitz, former chief of staff for the National Security Council, provides insights into the intelligence and military strategies involved in the recent and significant military action taken by Israel against Iran, which has caught the latter off guard. Fleitz discuss the implications of this attack on Middle Eastern dynamics, the effectiveness of Iran's air defenses, and the potential for future negotiations. Rabbi Yaakov Menken, the Executive Vice President of the Coalition for Jewish Values, discusses the alarming intersection of various protest movements, the rise of anti-Semitism, and the implications for Jewish communities nationwide. Finally, StopAntisemitism COO Elizabeth Coplon slams climate activist Greta Thunberg as a grifter for her flotilla stunt. “It's just an abomination to those who were slain and taken captive and are still held captive by a terrorist organization,” she says.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Beginning a new series on the sefer Chofetz Chaim once a week!
As mainstream media bashes Israel, ZAKA, Israel's rescue and recovery volunteers, exemplify the ultimate kindness and respect for humanity required by Jewish law.
Bonus content pulled from my weekly class to Bnot Torah Sharfmans
What should Trump’s top priorities be for his next 100 days? // LongForm: GUEST: Rabbi Yaakov Menken, Vice President of the Coalition for Jewish Values on why Jews on the Left oppose Trump going after antisemitism. // Quick Hit: Guest: South Texas College Law professor Josh Blackman on Trump’s judicial nominees.
Rabbi Yaakov Menken, executive vice president of the Coalition for Jewish Values, joins Josh to discuss the insane institutional left-wing Jewish opposition to the Trump administration's efforts to end anti-Semitism on university campuses.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Rich discusses the news of the day, including the signing of a natural resources deal between the United States and Ukraine. We delve into the latest economic news, including this week's report on consumer confidence, with former Trump economic advisor Steve Moore. Later, Rabbi Yaakov Menken, executive vice president of the Coalition for Jewish Values, talks about the deportation of pro-Hamas supporters, many of whom have protested on college campuses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Former CIA operations officer Claire Lopez shares her insights on national security under President Trump. She discusses the implications of a recent New York Times report about a potential Israeli strike and the ongoing negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program. Claire emphasizes the challenges of these discussions and the strategic military positioning in the region. Former FBI Executive Assistant Director and author Chris Piehota discusses the rapid and well-coordinated law enforcement response to the Florida State shooting, crediting training and awareness for saving lives. He also highlights the FBI's shift in investigative practices during the Crossfire Hurricane era, criticizing ideologically driven investigations. Finally, Rabbi Yaakov Menken, the Executive Vice President of the Coalition for Jewish Values, reflects on the alarming rise of antisemitic sentiments, particularly in academic institutions like Harvard, and the implications of generational shifts in attitudes towards Jewish communities. Rabbi Menken highlights the troubling connection between antisemitism and contemporary ideologies such as DEI and CRT, and we explore the potential consequences of allowing hate to fester unchecked.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this solo episode, I explore the historical roots and evolving nature of anti-Semitism, discussing its origins, manifestations, and the underlying societal dynamics that contribute to this form of hatred. I emphasize the importance of Jewish values and teachings in countering anti-Semitism and highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the moral principles that Judaism represents. - Timestamps: 00:00 Understanding Anti-Semitism: A Historical Perspective 05:51 The Role of Jewish Values in Countering Hatred - See discounts for all the products I use and recommend: https://everybodyspod.com/deals/ - Shop For Everybody Use code SFE10 for 10% OFF
Just a short dvar Torah while I'm gone traveling in America lekavod Rosh Chodesh
Subscribe to our email list here. In this Purim episode of the 18Forty Podcast, David Bashevkin talks about what Saturday Night Live has taught him about life, creativity, and running an organization. Prompted by the show's 50th anniversary, we're reflecting on lessons from five decades of laughter. In this episode we discuss: How did Lorne Michaels's unique vision and insights help him “invent” SNL?What are the top five lessons about Jewish life that David has learned from the life of the SNL creator, born as Lorne David Lipowitz?What are David's three favorite Jewish sketches from SNL?Tune in to hear a serious analysis of a comedic show. David Bashevkin is the founder of 18Forty. He is also the director of education for NCSY, the youth movement of the Orthodox Union, and the Clinical Assistant Professor of Jewish Values at the Sy Syms School of Business at Yeshiva University. He completed rabbinic ordination at Yeshiva University's Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, as well as a master's degree at the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies focusing on the thought of Rabbi Zadok of Lublin under the guidance of Dr. Yaakov Elman. He completed his doctorate in Public Policy and Management at The New School's Milano School of International Affairs, focusing on crisis management. He has published four books, Sin·a·gogue: Sin and Failure in Jewish Thought, a Hebrew work B'Rogez Rachem Tizkor (trans. In Anger, Remember Mercy), Top 5: Lists of Jewish Character and Character, and Just One: The NCSY Haggadah. David has been rejected from several prestigious fellowships and awards.References:Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live by Susan MorrisonLive From New York by Tom Shales and James Andrew MillerBossypants by Tina FeyToo Funny to Fail: The Life & Death of The Dana Carvey Show (2017)Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee: “Lorne Michaels: Everybody Likes to See the Monkeys”Tikkunei Zohar 57b“Weekend Update: Jacob the Bar Mitzvah Boy on the Story of Hanukkah”“Weekend Update: Adam Sandler on Hanukkah”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.
In this week's Shabbat message, Rabbi Nickerson shares the not-often-thought of origins of Valentine's Day and invites us to reflect on the origins of our core Jewish values from this week's Torah portion Parashat Yitro. These core principles such as dignity, healthy disagreement, loving kindness, and responsibility guide our community through challenging times and inspire action to repair the world. Each week, a member of the clergy offers their personal perspective on a topic of their choice, such as the week's Torah portion, a Jewish holiday, ritual, custom, or history. Facebook: Wilshire Boulevard TempleWebsite: wbtla.orgYoutube: Wilshire Boulevard TempleInstagram: wilshireboulevardtemple
In this engaging episode of the Franciska Show, guest Shmuel Chaim Naiman shares his unique journey from Baltimore to Israel, emphasizing the importance of personal health and wellness intertwined with Jewish values. Naiman discusses his new book 'Land of Health: Israel's War for Wellness,' the significance of personal stories of conflict, and the importance of real food, mindful movement, and overall well-being. His discussions cover topics from the cultural implications of physical activity in Jewish communities to the spiritual nexus of the Land of Israel. Naiman also introduces his initiative, Healthy Jew, and details his experiences as a foraging guide and educator. Tune in to explore the intersection of health, spirituality, and Jewish identity with Shmuel Chaim Naiman's profound insights. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 00:57 Guest Introduction: Shmuel Chaim Naiman 01:15 Shmuel's Background and Life in Israel 02:04 Publishing Journey and Professional Background 02:55 Healthy Lifestyle and Personal Transformation 05:47 Integrating Health with Jewish Values 07:15 Promoting Physical Activity in Religious Communities 08:24 The Importance of Walking and Running 11:03 Balancing Tradition and Modern Health Practices 17:20 Healthy Eating: Real Food vs. Food-like Substances 19:08 Creating a Healthy Home Environment 21:33 Defining Real Food and Its Importance 25:17 Conclusion: Embracing a Holistic Healthy Lifestyle 26:53 Exploring the Core of Life and Purpose 27:27 The Difference Between Humans and Animals 28:05 Purposeful Living and Spiritual Growth 28:17 Integrating Wellness Practices with Judaism 30:57 The Value of Silence and Inner Peace 33:03 Jewish Wellness on a National Level 34:50 The Importance of the Land of Israel 37:41 Foraging and Connecting with Nature 39:07 Reflections on Writing and Personal Growth 41:36 Challenges and Successes in Promoting Jewish Wellness 50:02 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks About Our Guest: Rabbi Shmuel Chaim Naiman is a Torah student, certified health counselor, and foraging guide in Ramat Bet Shemesh, Israel, where he is Mashgiach Ruchani of Yeshivas Lev HaTorah. Check out healthyjew.org to order his new book, Land of Health; subscribe to his weekly email newsletter, The Healthy Jew; and to book your foraging walk in Israel. He can be reached directly at scnaiman@healthyjew.org. www.JewishCoffeeHouse.com
Shalom Hartman Institute President Yehuda Kurtzer reflects on this post-election moment, offering a new framework to ensure the future vitality of American Judaism and prevent America from becoming merely a “diaspora.”